Docia Thomas Strickland

Born in the Red Hill community of Franklin County, Mrs. Strickland was a daughter of the late Ace Manley Thomas and Sara Jane Keller Thomas. Before her marriage to Arthur Jackson Strickland in 1947, she worked as a nurse for Dr. Stewart D. Brown, Sr. at the old Brown Hospital in Royston. After the birth of her children, she was a homemaker until the 1970s, when she opened Docia’s Styles, a ladies’ clothing store in Royston. Mrs. Strickland later worked for The Lion’s Den, a men’s clothing store in Royston, and at Dill’s Food City as a cashier and manager of the floral department.

She was a member of Royston Baptist Church for 74 years having served as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Agape Sunday School class, and served for many years on the House and Grounds Committee where she oversaw several beautification projects, both inside and outside the church. Mrs. Strickland’s yard was well-known as among the most beautiful in Royston, as she spent much time cultivating many different varieties of flowers, trees, and plants. She was particularly gifted in growing roses, daylilies and African violets.

Mrs. Strickland was a great cook and some of her specialties included yeast rolls, coconut cake and creamed corn. She had artistic talent, especially for painting ceramics, porcelain dolls and baskets. She was recognized by the Georgia State Senate and the Georgia House of Representatives on the occasion of her 90th birthday in 2017.

She was a strong-willed person who cared deeply for her family and was primary caregiver for her mother-in-law until her death and caregiver for her sister-in-law, husband and daughter until their conditions required admission to a skilled nursing facility.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jackson Strickland; son, Kenneth Thomas “Kenny” Strickland; daughter, Jane Strickland Hanley; grandson, Aaron Strickland; and all her siblings, Jimmie Sue Thomas Smith Martin, Everage Thomas, Rev. Robert Thomas, B.K. Thomas, William Thomas, Joan Thomas Gray and Oscar Thomas.

Survivors include her sons, Raymond Strickland (Margie) of Waynesboro, VA and Doug Strickland of Royston; grandchildren, Cassie Schlager of Royston, Sherri Cheek (Joey) of Carnesville, Carla Rothmann of Deltaville, VA and Jay Hanley of Watkinsville; great-grandchildren, Nick Schlager (Kellie Keener) of Hartwell, Natasha Rothmann of Durango, CO, Montana Cheek and Waylon Cheek, both of Carnesville; sister-in-law, Myrtle Thomas of Canon; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 19, 2021, in the Royston Baptist Church with Dr. Danny Barton officiating. Interment will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Royston.

The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 p.m. until funeral hour on Sunday afternoon.

Flowers are optional; memorials may be made to Royston Baptist Church, 767 Church St., Royston, GA 30662.

Pruitt Funeral Home in Royston, GA and Bernstein Funeral Home in Athens, GA are in charge of arrangements.